Capture The Flagg
That was the goal of every NBA team, The former Duke star andpresumptiveTOP DRAFTPICKhas an uncanny skill set that hoops IQ and a preternatural calm “I love being the underdog,” Flagg says. “Always have. It gives you a little EXTRA FUEL , extra motivation every game. You get a spark. It’s a great feeling.” by CHRIS MANNIX photograph by CLAY PATRICK MCBRIDE Sports Illustrated - July 2025 THE SCENE FELT FUNEREAL In April, minutes after Duke’s collapse in the NCAA semifinal againstHouston, a contingent of Blue Devils motored down a back hall of the Alamodome on a golf cart. Coach Jon Scheyer, flanked by freshman wing Kon Knueppel, was stuffed in the middle row. As the cart hummed down the quiet hallway, Cooper Flagg appeared on the back, still in his sweat-soaked uniform, staring vacantly in the direction he came. The images, captured by dozens of cameraphones, quickly went viral. Flagg can’t recall what he was thinking in that moment. Just that, whatever it was, he didn’t want anyone to ...